Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday at the Ita Oluwo corridor in Ikorodu, a border community between Lagos and Ogun states, following a collision involving two articulated trucks conveying iron rods.

The accident, which was attributed to brake failure and excessive speeding, left one woman dead and caused serious traffic disruption along the Lagos-Ogun expressway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident, identifying the vehicles involved as two Iveco flatbed trucks with registration numbers QX 189 KSF and YA 701 AAA.

According to preliminary findings, the truck marked YA 701 AAA reportedly suffered a brake failure while traveling at high speed, ramming into the other truck ahead of it in a devastating impact that drew panic among motorists and residents alike.

A yet-to-be-identified woman was tragically trapped between the two heavy-duty trucks.

The scene quickly drew the attention of emergency responders, including operatives from LASTMA, the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and the Nigeria Police.

Despite their combined efforts to save the victim, she was confirmed dead at the scene and her body was evacuated by officers of the Ogijo Police Division to the morgue at the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OSUTH), Sagamu.

Reacting to the fatal incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing the accident as “a painful reminder of the deadly consequences of negligence in vehicular maintenance and reckless road behavior.”

“This tragic loss is yet another call to action,” Mr. Bakare-Oki said. “It highlights the urgent need for operators of articulated vehicles to take roadworthiness seriously. This was a preventable accident, but again we see how mechanical failure and irresponsible driving turn our roads into killing fields.”

He further warned operators of articulated vehicles and haulage companies to adhere strictly to safety and maintenance protocols, stressing that vehicle roadworthiness, speed regulation, and driver certification are non-negotiable.

“In Lagos State, our commitment to traffic safety remains firm. We will continue to enforce regulations without compromise, especially when public safety is at risk due to the recklessness of commercial drivers and operators of heavy-duty trucks,” he said.

The General Manager called on logistics operators to implement routine mechanical inspections, ensure drivers possess valid certifications, and assess the mental and physical fitness of their personnel before putting them on the road.

Mr. Bakare-Oki also lauded the swift intervention of emergency teams, noting that normal traffic flow has since been restored along the affected stretch. He advised motorists to remain vigilant and report any signs of mechanical faults before embarking on trips.

“The safety of every road user is our priority,” he said. “We urge the public to report any form of traffic emergencies or road obstructions through our toll-free hotline: 0800-00-LASMA (080000527862).”